We interrupt our regular blog post scheduled to happily announce that Habitat for Canaries Inc. has been recognized as a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)3 of the Code. Specifically, HFC is recognized as a public charity under section 509(a)2. In addition to cash gifts, Habitat for Canaries can also tax receipt bequests, devises, transfers, or gifts. If you have been …
Tools for Discovering Your Air Quality
Those suffering from environmental impacts need further due diligence investigations to ensure the site they have selected will not negatively impact their lives due to air or EMF factors. When beginning your search, a great place to start is the EPA (environmental protection agency) and their “EnviroAtlas” page (https://www.epa.gov/enviroatlas/enviroatlas-interactive-map). Select your State then set your filters, and you’ll see a …
Due Diligence and Canary Considerations
Concurrent to standard due diligence, which Gordon outlined in his Due Diligence 101 series, special investigation for canary specific considerations also happens during the due diligence period. From analyzing the EPA data to ensure no toxic spills on the property or surrounding area, to testing water, earth, and air in order to discover naturally occurring atmospheric molds, pollens, and other potential …
Cultural Analysis
A cultural analysis is a report that details the possible presence of burial grounds, endangered habitats for animals and vegetative species, and of course, sensitive archaeological sites such as battle fields, or other historically significant uses of the land. Finding evidence of cultural artifacts may prevent any development of the site. Or if this report is not obtained and any …
Subsurface Analysis
Having investigated matters on and above the surface, it is also necessary to investigate issues that lay below the surface. One such issue is the capabilities of the soil. This is commonly known as a geotechnical report. It is designed to provide critical information to your engineering firm as to the soil conditions upon which the build area (roads, pathways and …
Wetlands
Generally, you cannot build or otherwise impact any wetland. To impact a wetland legally, requires a permit issued by the US Army Corp of Engineers who administer the Clean Water Act in concert with the federal Environmental Protection Agency. So, it is important that you know what, if any, wetlands exist on your property before planning any development or building. …
Topographical Survey
In preparing the physical layout of the infrastructure and buildings on the site, having a topographical survey available will reduce surprises during construction and reduce those costly change orders. You can have a field run topographical survey on the property typically on a 200’ grid for large parcels, 100’ grid for smaller ones, and 10’ grid for very small parcels. …
Land Use and Zoning
From HOA’s to State Governments, there are many governing jurisdictions that you need to investigate as part of due diligence to ensure that the intended use of the property is legally allowed. The regulation for the use of land is a zoning ordinance, and the improvement of land is a development ordinance. These ordinances often are combined into a Land …
Boundary Survey
Site assessment addresses broad issues such as location, neighboring uses, and transportation access. Once a site is located, then a more detailed investigation is required to determine whether the intended use of the property is achievable at reasonable cost. This is known as due diligence, and typically happens once a contract for the purchase of the site has been executed. …
Think of Who Uses It
Some of the most important time you will spend when building your healthy home will be the design phase. When planning the layout of your healthy home an important question to ask is “who will ever use it.” The last thing you want to do is to create a public space that is only accessible through your clean 8-hour sleeping …
